The Wedding Singer

Perth Amateur Operatic Society have waited over two years to bring this upbeat musical comedy ‘The Wedding Singer’ based on the Adam Sandler movie to the stage and it was certainly obvious to the audience that they were buzzing and ready to be back to kick off their 75th year anniversary. 

It's an old-fashioned story set in the eighties when singer songwriter Robbie Hart’s wedding plans go down the drain and he is jilted at the alter by Fiancée Linda putting his music career in jeopardy by become the worst wedding singer imaginable. After meeting waitress Julia, he comes to the realisation he could love again, and things begin to look brighter – unfortunately she is engaged to the arrogant and shallow wall street broker Glen. As with all such tales through an array of characters and vibrant musical numbers things all work out in the end.

There were some lovely principal performances. Mark Murphy, as Robbie Hart, was a very loveable character, good vocals and some memorable comic moments supported by his fellow band members, Sammy played by Dylan Sclater and George  - a Boy George lookalike played by Scott Jewell.  Nicola Hay took on the role of psycho Linda with conviction and Holly the love interest of Sammy was enthusiastically played by Emma Blackburn giving a sassy performance. The comedy performance of the night must go to Rosie the hip granny of Robbie perfectly portrayed by Gillian Martin.

Unfortunately, the night of my visit Bekki Mackenzie who was down to be playing the role of Julie had to be understudied due to illness. Katrina Grieve (Director) stepped in and what she achieved was no easy task. With what appeared like hardly a glance to what was the script in her hand she delivered the dialogue and vocals to portray Julia with seamless effort. Her fellow cast members adapted admirably.

The staging was simple and appropriate whilst the technical side was well managed with interesting lighting design and effects. The costumes captured the style of the 80s along with the retro hairstyles. The ensemble rose to the challenge of creating the different settings asked by this fast moving musical.

A great night out to Perth Theatre and congratulations to all involved.

Stuart McCue Dick (NODA Scotland Councillor) was fortunate, on the Saturday evening,  to see Bekki back in the role of Julie when she gave a most convincing and touching performance as she gradually fell for Robbie. You would never know she had been unwell earlier in the week.

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